Fuck You, I’m From Oakland.

Billie accepted the piece of gum with a grateful smile before popping it into his mouth, shaking his head as Pedro tried to defend himself. “Temporarily relocate them?” he echoed with a laugh. “Baby boy, I’ve watched you relocate half a box in one sitting.” He leaned into the kiss, stealing one more before reluctantly pulling away to start the car. As the engine hummed to life, he glanced over at Pedro with the kind of smile that came so naturally around him. “I don’t mind, though. I’ll keep buying them if it means seeing that face every time you find them.” Pulling out onto the road, Billie reached across the center console until his hand found Pedro’s, giving it a gentle squeeze before letting it drift to rest comfortably on his thigh. His thumb traced absent circles through the fabric of Pedro’s jeans as they drove, never taking his eyes off the road for more than a quick glance. “And for the record, I am absolutely asking good questions. If I’m getting one hundred and twenty octopus facts, I want the deluxe version.”

Pedro smiled to himself as the car rolled through the aquarium gates, his elbow resting comfortably against the window. He'd spent most of the drive talking. Not because he'd meant to but because once someone asked him about octopuses, it was almost impossible to stop. One fact became another. Then another. Before long he'd somehow gone from camouflage to problem-solving to the strange reality that octopuses could taste with the suckers on their arms. He'd laughed at himself more than once. "I'm sorry," he'd admitted at one point, shaking his head. "I know this is... a lot." Even as he said it, another thought had occurred to him. "Oh—and another thing..." He couldn't help himself.

Billie couldn’t help but smile as he watched Pedro’s face brighten the moment they stepped inside. That look of quiet wonder never got old. Every new date they did together seemed to bring it out of him, as if the rest of the world faded away the second he was surrounded by water and sea life. Billie reached for Pedro’s hand, intertwining their fingers with his as they started toward the first exhibit. “Are you happy?” he murmured softly, glancing over to Pedro with a smile. “I was looking forward to this, but I think I was looking forward to seeing you here even more.” He gave Pedro’s hand a gentle squeeze before laughing softly. “Come on, professor. Show me everything.”

Haha this is actually one of the best stories I’ve heard. Did those people believe you? Because if they don’t, I’ll play the part now, don’t even doubt that. Revisit it, I’ll adopt you at least as one of my music kids if not officially haha

I love that you just said you were a great liar as a kid haha I do see the resemblance! Honestly, especially now that we’re both blonde. I absolutely would adopt you, don’t doubt that haha granted it cracks me up that you said I was your dad. You’re standing well over 6ft and I’m at a strong 5’7 haha

I beg to differ because I find you to be the most beautiful. Are you ready for next month?! In a few weeks we’re finally releasing our movie. Feels fucking crazy haha also, I didn’t get to tell you but I met your lady. She’s top notch. Just make sure she knows I love you the most haha

You're right, I am. I'm so ready. I'm practically vibrating with excitement, it's been a while since we got to act up at a carpet event, except this time nobody can tell us to reel it in because it's our carpet. Do you think we'll get an Oscar next year? I think we will. Best actress, best visual effects, best kiss. Oh you did? Oh I'm so pleased! I knew you'd get along but I'm so glad you finally got to meet her properly. She's awesome, I dig her so much. Like, so much. I will make sure she knows but I'm sure she does

Vibrating with excitement. I, yeah, that sounds right hahaha it’s gonna be a good time. Oscars? I don’t know, bud haha i think we’re just gonna have a good time with it. Who knows though! After all, we do have some good kids acting and we have ruffalos son in it. But I’ll be honest, I don’t think the Oscar’s want dudes like us brushing shoulders with their greats haha fucking imagine us sitting next to Christopher Nolan? I can’t with the thought alone haha 😂 we’re too wild for the Oscar’s haha I did! She spilled coffee all over me but it felt very on brand and we got a chance to talk. Once she knows because I had you first ;) haha no but really, I’m so glad you’re happy and seem to find your one. I’m intrigued how she’s gonna handle the Green Day tour life. I have a feeling she’s gonna be in her element.

Billie: how is press treating you? You look like you're absolutely glowing! And ice cream with spicy? I mean in the long run it makes sense because ice cream helps cool the spice? Haha baby is on to something! Wait a second, your baby daddy didn't know? Ok, tell me everything. How did you tell him? How did he react What's going on now?

Haha this is actually one of the best stories I’ve heard. Did those people believe you? Because if they don’t, I’ll play the part now, don’t even doubt that. Revisit it, I’ll adopt you at least as one of my music kids if not officially haha

Look at you looking all sharp and handsome. Making the rest of us look bad out here, buddy @trecoolfms

Stop that right now, you know you're the most beautiful boy in the land. You are right, but you're so beautiful. Italy suits you, man.

I beg to differ because I find you to be the most beautiful. Are you ready for next month?! In a few weeks we’re finally releasing our movie. Feels fucking crazy haha also, I didn’t get to tell you but I met your lady. She’s top notch. Just make sure she knows I love you the most haha

Can imagine Tay is thrilled that you made it. Know she loves the band's music, gotta say I was surprised myself. Hopefully you're enjoying yourself, know a lot of people had quite the travel to come here. @armstrongbillie

I’m so glad I was able to make it! I couldn’t have missed it. Taylor has always been so incredibly kind to me and my family. And I said it on Instagram, but I have a soft spot for you as well. Don’t think I haven’t seen you wearing those Green Day shirts haha how’ve you been, man? How’s married life treating you so far?

Wow, you’re working with Boss? That’s really cool! How does it feel to be part of that campaign? I feel like boss is such a titan in the industry, and this is coming from a guy who genuinely doesn’t pay attention to things like this but even I know who Boss is haha

i am! i was shocked that they asked and there was no way i was going to say no! they really are a huge name in the industry. you don't pay attention things like that? i think that is kind of norm for most men? not all, but a good part! now you have me wondering what kind of cologne you use!

You were shocked they asked you?! Listen, you’re one of the coolest people in Hollywood! I’m not surprised in the slightest that you were asked! What do the kids say these days? Flex on them? Haha! Honestly, when it comes to fashion I really don’t pay attention, I still wear the same clothes I had in the 90s haha but for reasons I’ve been all about Chanel lately haha for cologne I typically wear tom ford oud wood. That’s been my signature scent for a while now. I should mix it up. Think you can hook me up with some boss? Haha

Rhea’s expression was still an endearingly frantic mix of lingering mortification and overwhelming relief. With both hands wrapped securely around her iced coffee, the tension in her face finally gave way to a soft, breathy chuckle "I was set up" she agreed, playing into this new narrative. "I'm gonna let him try to figure out why I'm grumpy when I go back to our room. A fun little morning puzzle game" Rhea joked, knowing the mood had shifted into something much lighter, much warmer. And when her grin turned softer, she'd just been grateful by Billies reaction. She zipped her mouth shut of saying the S word again with a little nod "My mind was like a hamster wheel about it" she let out a gentle sigh, as though the pure idea of their meeting had been playing in her mind for....months almost. And yet it was a very real reality of how silly this all seemed, and somehow, refreshing, quite literally. Rhea let out another simple chuckle, the tiniest snort followed unexpectedly. The girl who iced Billie Joe, it was strangely amusing. Even if it would still silently haunt her "I promise it'll be the only time i ice you," Rhea added "One and done. One trick pony, and no more ruined shirts....i'll leave that to you. Or anyone else but me" though the room had settled, and the floor beneath had been cleaned, there was still that heat over her cheek that unfortunately for her, couldn't settle as fast.

Billie smiled into his coffee, giving a small shake of his head. “It’s funny though. Tre’s talked about you enough that walking in here almost felt like meeting someone I already knew. Then everything went sideways and somehow it made the whole thing less weird.” He rested his forearms on the table, looking at her with the kind of relaxed attention that made it easy to forget anyone else was in the café. “People spend so much time trying to nail a first impression that they forget conversations are where you actually get to know somebody. This already feels more real than whatever we’d probably imagined.”

Pedro laughed under his breath, the sound escaping before he could stop it. "A rivalry?" He slipped out of the door "You'd lose." There wasn't a hint of apology in his voice. "I love you more," he said, pointing between them then toward the imaginary aquarium in the distance. "But they're objectively incredible." His grin widened. "They have three hearts. Actually, that's fact number one."

Billie accepted the piece of gum with a grateful smile before popping it into his mouth, shaking his head as Pedro tried to defend himself. “Temporarily relocate them?” he echoed with a laugh. “Baby boy, I’ve watched you relocate half a box in one sitting.” He leaned into the kiss, stealing one more before reluctantly pulling away to start the car. As the engine hummed to life, he glanced over at Pedro with the kind of smile that came so naturally around him. “I don’t mind, though. I’ll keep buying them if it means seeing that face every time you find them.” Pulling out onto the road, Billie reached across the center console until his hand found Pedro’s, giving it a gentle squeeze before letting it drift to rest comfortably on his thigh. His thumb traced absent circles through the fabric of Pedro’s jeans as they drove, never taking his eyes off the road for more than a quick glance. “And for the record, I am absolutely asking good questions. If I’m getting one hundred and twenty octopus facts, I want the deluxe version.”